Be the hostess with the mostest this Christmas

Christmas is here; expect to attend many parties. If it is your turn to host one, do not fret. Preparing to host parties can be a little tedious but the rewards are priceless. Having your family or friends in your home is rewarding, fulfilling, and more intimate. Conversations are natural, jubilant, and there is no time limit. If it is your first time to play host, here are a few tips to get over those neophyte jitters:

“Engage with your guests. Make eye contact, smile and get them to respond to what you are saying. It is okay to have a script to guide you—a script [about] your guest’ interests will help the flow—but it is always best to improvise (depending on who your audience is) or be…spontaneous. Since you will be the center of attention, make sure you dress appropriately for it. Project the right demeanor, be interactive so that your audience will participate. Overall, your audience should have the best time at the party so they leave happy, satisfied, and thanking their host for a wonderful experience.”
— Jennifer Miraflores, San Vicente

“Serve good food, make sure that everything they need is at arm’s length, there is no such thing as too much alcohol and serve coffee so you don’t have to tell them to leave.”
—Simoun Almoro, Guam

“First, clean the place where the party is going to be held, whether it is inside the house or at the porch, because guests love a pleasing and neat place to hang out in. Clean windows and put up curtains or decorations in conjunction with the theme of your party. Get your tablecloth, plates, and glasses ready so there is enough for everyone. Prepare a good number of table and chairs for your guests so that they will be comfortable. Lastly, plan the food that you are going to serve and make it taste good that guests will love.”
— Lilian Lizama, Chalan Kanoa

“For sit down, semi-formal lunch or dinner, invest in table setting because it truly sets the mood of the occasion. If you are mixing people, name cards are important. Invest in good wine or alcohol for guests to enjoy.”
—Karen Capino, Guam

“It is always smart to meal plan ahead of time and this also helps you make sure you know sensitivities or allergies of your guests and their preferences. Prepare a decent amount of alcoholic beverages and just give guests a little warning not to drink too much, especially the assigned drivers. Decorate the place that is appropriate for the occasion and making a playlist is also good as it sets the mood of the party. Lastly, whatever occasion you may have, having the videoke on is always a crowd pleaser.”
— Clerissa La Madrid, As Matuis